Brda – hills of enticing gastronomic moments

The hills of the Slovenian Mediterranean, from which the view extends to the Alpine peaks. Brda is a region on the border with Italy, and in 2015 it became the winning destination of Slovenia in the area of tourism, local cuisine and gastronomy. From the gastronomic point of view, two fundamental characteristics of Brda need to be highlighted: fruits, such as cherries, peaches and olives, and excellent wines. However, this is only the basis of the gastronomic distinctiveness of this region, where many housewives prepare extremely delicious meals. In wine cellars we can taste the delicacies of vines that blend in the flavours of Rebula and other varieties. On the plates we experience seasons, while individual dishes reveal the contents of gastronomic stories. The inhabitants of Brda bring this rich heritage into a gastronomic offer interpreted with modernity, which with the natural environment and preserved architectural heritage of Brda creates probably the most recognisable component of the identity of the Brda region. Growing fruits, including grapes, and wine has a rich tradition in Brda, as its inhabitants supplied large towns and resorts with such produce. The modern development of Brda began after the Second World War, when the quality of cellaring began to improve. Today the locals with their high-quality wines also achieve international success as the wines of Brda are available in the best restaurants and other environments around the world. They know how to prepare, from a number of elements offered by nature in Brda,

delicious dishes based on modern, healthy and local ingredients, among which the Mediterranean vegetables and herbs stand out.

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Intimacy of Brda villages

The Brda region offers unforgettable experiences in Brda villages and at individual, mostly wine-growing, farms. Pay special attention to the village of Šmartno, where they gradually preserve architectural heritage and provide it with new content. The greatest of all Brda wine cellars and wine growers is at the Dobrovo castle, and the Vipolže mansion has also been exceptionally renovated. You can enjoy the artistic heritage in the Church of St. Cross above Kojsko, including frescoes from the late 17th century and the best preserved late-Gothic winged altar in Slovenia dating from 1515.

Do not miss the cherries, Rebula and olive oil!

The oldest event in Brda is the Dobrovo Cherry Festival, established in 1961. The growing of cherries originates from Austro-Hungarian times, when the sale of this fruit, as well as the sale of peaches and plums, was favourable for Brda. Brda cherries are considered to be of the highest quality found in all of Slovenia. Another important event in Brda is the Rebula and Olive Oil Festival in Višnjevik. Visitors taste samples of the Brda wine Rebula, experience the flavours of olive oil, taste vegetable frtalje, fried prosciutto and polenta and various farinaceous dishes, among which sweet hubanca is the most popular. Wine celebrations have two peaks: St. Urban's Day (25 May) and St. Martin's Day (11 November). At St. Urban's Day, the traditional event Brda & Wine takes place in Šmartno.

Good wine never wants to be alone!

The local dishes and full meals contain the flavours of the Mediterranean, and those from neighbouring Italy, especially Friuli, had an impact on both everyday and festive food. However, the locals did not copy the examples of their neighbours, but over the centuries created a number of Brda specialities, which together with Brda wines create a symbiosis of exceptional flavours. Three types of polenta with various side dishes and sauces, spring and summer egg omelette with herbs, venison dishes, and in the autumn and winter products and dishes at pig slaughter, which is one of the most typical household holidays. Since from Brda you can see all the way to the sea, you will also find on the menus sea fish and other seafood, as well as fruit such as delicious cherries, apricots, peaches, and excellent olive oil.